12 innovators from six countries will partner with the Singapore-based accelerator programme to address South and South East Asia’s water and wastewater crisis.
Asia is one of the world’s most water-stressed continent. While home to more than half of the world’s inhabitants, Asia has less freshwater available per capita than anywhere else. Population growth, particularly in low-lying coastal cities, threatens already vulnerable supplies. At the same time, too much water poses new risks. Since 2000, flood-related disasters have more than doubled globally with over 80% of people affected living in Asia.
As the COP26 global climate summit unfolds this week, the region’s decision makers are acknowledging that its water resource challenges are inextricably linked to climate disruption. Solutions are not only needed to help mitigate today’s water-related climate impacts. They are also required to position the water and wastewater solutions of tomorrow on a new path towards decarbonisation and resource recovery. Selected from a field of more than 100 applicants from 23 countries, the 12 water tech start-ups in Imagine H2O Asia Cohort 3 demonstrates the possibilities by challenging the water management status quo.
The 12 water tech start-ups are namely WI.Plat, WEGoT Utility Solutions, Typhoon Treatment Systems, TracWater, PureActive Water, Indra, Hydroquo+, Hydroleap, G2O Water Technologies, EF Polymer, DigitalPaani, and Cleanedge Water.
From environmentally-friendly drinking water disinfection to energy-efficient wastewater treatment and reuse to biodegradable polymers for water-saving irrigation, each company represents an innovative and sustainable approach to reusing and recycling more, wasting less, mitigating pollution and boosting access and equity. As a bridge for global solutions to the region, Imagine H2O Asia’s mission aims to also foster entrepreneurship locally across South and South East Asia. Cohort 3 is Imagine H2O Asia’s most geographically diverse cohort yet, with 10 out of 12 companies based in five countries in the Asia-Pacific.
By partnering with Imagine H2O Asia and key supporters Enterprise Singapore, SUEZ, Kurita, Xylem and PUB Singapore, Cohort 3 companies will receive support to pilot and deploy these solutions across the Asia-Pacific. This includes an expanded programme with new utility and industrial partners, additional pilot funding and wider regional connectivity including Demo Day at Singapore International Water Week 2022.
